The Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful upgrade with this garlic parmesan beef tortellini bake that promises comfort in every single bite.

Savory beef mingles perfectly with tender pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Cheese lovers will absolutely swoon over the golden, crispy top layer that adds irresistible crunch.

Rich and creamy textures meld together, making each forkful a delectable experience.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

A single skillet transforms simple components into an impressive meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

We promise this recipe will become your new go-to dinner solution that everyone at the table will devour with enthusiasm.

Beef Tortellini Bake That’s Loaded and Comforting

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious, hearty meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combines rich ground beef, creamy Parmesan sauce, and zesty marinara for a mouth-watering dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works great as a family dinner, potluck contribution, or casual dinner party main course that will impress both kids and adults with its cheesy, savory goodness.

Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the dish, provides rich meaty flavor.
• Tortellini: Stuffed pasta that adds delightful texture and helps make the meal filling.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that creates a vibrant flavor base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, gooey crust.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the dish's flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds fresh herbal touch.

Beef Tortellini Parmesan Bake Guide

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium heat.

Break up the meat as it sizzles, cooking until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice Up The Beef

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 4: Build The Sauce Foundation

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet.

Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat and let the sauce develop its rich flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Parmesan Blend

In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream over low heat.

Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Pour this creamy goodness into the marinara-beef mixture and blend thoroughly.

Step 6: Cook The Tortellini

Boil tortellini according to package directions.

Once cooked, drain carefully and gently fold into the sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow gets coated in the delicious mixture.

Step 7: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the saucy tortellini to your prepared baking dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises deliciousness.

Step 9: Final Touch

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tortellini Bake – Cheesy Dinner Tips

• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce that adds extra creaminess to the dish.
• Slightly undercook tortellini before adding to the sauce, as they'll continue cooking in the oven and prevent becoming mushy.
• Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting and more intense cheese flavor.
• Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use gluten-free marinara sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Best Way to Keep Beef Tortellini Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled tortellini bake to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Best Matches for Beef Tortellini Bake

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust beef and garlic flavors, enhancing the dish's hearty profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy tortellini bake.
• Rustic Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty bread brushed with olive oil and garlic to soak up the delicious marinara and Parmesan sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with herbs to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to the main dish.

Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake Versions

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable marinara sauce and maintain the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Use a lighter cream sauce and reduce the cheese quantity for a healthier approach.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Include a dash of hot sauce in the marinara for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the sauce, and ensure they’re fully thawed and drained.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative will work well in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with the sauce.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

No worries. You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.

Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan beef tortellini bake brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with its cheesy, hearty layers. Melted cheese, tender beef, and herb-infused pasta create a satisfying meal you will devour with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place ground beef in a large skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking into crumbly pieces until completely browned. Thoroughly drain any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat, sautéing for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the seasoned beef. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
5. In a separate small pan, gently warm heavy cream over low heat. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
6. Merge the creamy Parmesan mixture with the marinara-beef sauce, stirring carefully to create a cohesive, velvety sauce.
7. Cook tortellini according to package directions, ensuring they are perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and fold into the sauce, coating each pasta pocket delicately.
8. Transfer the sauced tortellini into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Perfectly browning beef requires high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan, allowing meat to develop a golden crust without steaming.
• Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier version that maintains similar flavor profiles and protein content.
• Fresh tortellini works best, but high-quality frozen varieties can be excellent time-saving alternatives with minimal taste compromise.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing different Italian cheeses like provolone or Romano for enhanced depth and complexity of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg